In a move aimed at bringing the National Cadet Corps (NCC) closer to young aspirants and educational institutions, the Ministry of Defence has approved the creation of two new independent NCC State Directorates in Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand. The decision increases the total number of NCC State Directorates across the country from 17 to 19 and is expected to significantly strengthen the organisation’s grassroots presence.
The new directorates will streamline administrative functions and improve the delivery of training and developmental activities. By enabling more focused coordination and supervision, the initiative is expected to enhance the overall experience of cadets while creating better opportunities through improved infrastructure and institutional support.
Strengthening the World’s Largest Uniformed Youth Organisation
The decision is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of empowering India’s youth and nurturing a generation of confident, disciplined and socially responsible citizens. Officials believe the new administrative structure will help more young people participate in NCC activities and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
Established in 1948 with an initial strength of just 20,000 cadets, the NCC has evolved into the world’s largest uniformed youth organisation, with a current strength of over 20 lakh cadets. Between 2014 and 2025 alone, the organisation added nearly six lakh new cadets and expanded its reach to more than 750 districts across the country.
With the addition of the two new State Directorates, the NCC is poised to further strengthen its role in developing leadership, discipline and a spirit of national service, contributing to the vision of a stronger and more capable Viksit Bharat.
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